Ever since Yuna started her Senior debut, I have re-kindled my interest in watching figure skating, again. I'm just a casual fan with no technical knowledge in skating, but I know something about psychology. Like many in here, I am concerned about Mao. Watching her practice skating, I can tell how tense her upper body is. And that is manifestation of anxiety/stress as I 'm sure you know.

I have my own guess as to both her long-term and short-term anxiety. However, my immediate question is, Does she have a psychologist and/or sport psychologist to consult with? She'll need an immediate help to assert herself if she hope to have a decent season.

I know that most elite athletes have regular consultation with sport psychologist. But I also know that Japanese culture tend to stigmatize consultation with mental health professionals.

Just a thought. Then we can address her costume, how to fire a "legendary coach" her mother is "crazy about," etc.

I think every SP she has had during her senior years is a masterpiece, the LPs, not so much (except The Lark Ascending). David Wilson is great and IMHO I think he has in Yu Na the perfect vehicle for his work.

Too bad for Mao... I'm wondering if this partnership with TAT is the best thing for her. Anyway, she's a fighter and I hope she'll pull back on the FS.

there's kim yuna, and then there's everybody else. it appears that either rochette or cohen are the only ones who even have a chance to get near her. i don't think either can outjump her.... maybe get close if they are ON. they'll need to get points elsewhere....showcase their strengths... anywhere more than 5 points back in the short and they're heading into the long at too much of a disadvantage. cohen should be able to get an advantage over kim with + GOEs in her spins and spirals. but then again, who knows? haven't seen rochette's short. she'll really want to push for a 3/3 now, lol.

great debut, that's for sure. i don't know about an 18 point lead....but that's the way it is...

well, i don't want to start a fight, but IMHO, yuna is much better than slutskaya. athletically speaking, irina was brilliant but artistically not so much, while kim has both, she has no major weakness in her skating.

Originally Posted by R.D.

she is clearly the Slutskaya of 2009. Completely dominating the field and looking nearly invincible. Right now I REALLY want to say:
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